Students had the opportunity to talk to first responders, military members, nurses and other professionals in different careers during the BTECH Career Days.
LOGAN — Excited chitter chatter and amazement could be heard among happy faces of seventh grade students from all over the State of Utah as they explored the different career programs at Bridgerland Technical College’s Career Days on Wednesday and Thursday.
“Career Days is an awesome opportunity for students to see the different opportunities that they have for studying at not just Bridgerland but things that they can do with their futures,” Department Head of the Data Analytics Program Hayden Hoops said. “I think it’s really awesome to help kids start to see what options are out there and start to get excited about their own futures.”
BTECH’s Career Days gives students the opportunity to engage in dozens of hands-on activities from different programs at the college and local businesses so students can try their hand at different aspects of potential careers.
Students ran to try their endurance, strength and skills running through an obstacle course set up by the fire fighter training program. Other students tested their skills controlling a cement truck.
Students were also exposed to a robot arm that used cameras to locate and collect the candy the student selected and throw it to the student. Other students weaved yarn into their hair as part of the cosmetology department.
The Data Analytics Department had students open an M&M bag and see what color they got more often and input the data into a computer to analyze the results over the day.
“It seems like they’ve been really enthusiastic about learning about the different career paths,” Hoops said. “Some of them have asked really specific questions about data analytics…I hope that they are doing the same thing at the other programs.”
Practical Nursing Director Yvonne Manning said students seemed to be very excited to learn about the different programs.
“Some of them are here and they really want to learn about it,” Manning said. “It’s wonderful to see their enthusiasm.”
Manning said Career Days could help students decide what classes to take while in high school to help put them on the path to their desired career.
“It really helps them to know early on instead of floundering after high school,” Manning said.
The event this year featured activities and demonstrations from all 40 BTECH certificate programs including tacos which were provided by the Culinary Arts Program.
“Our Career Days event is an opportunity for students to explore their interests and discover the endless career possibilities,” BTECH Associate Vice President Renne Milne said. “We’re excited to once again welcome students from throughout the region and provide them with a fun and informative day of exploration.”